Leading light lost

Buncrana has lost one of its leading citizens with the passing of Philip Diggin. Philip aged 51 was a local Councillor and a former Teacher at Crana College. He also was an excellent sports man and was renowned for his Soccer Skills. He had served on a number of committees during his political career including the Donegal Vocational Education Committee (Donegal VEC), The Harbour Committee, The Tidy Town Initiative Committee and The Maginn Park Committee. He topped the poll in the 2004 local elections and was also a former chairman of Buncrana Town Council. He taught for 27 years in Crana College and was the life and soul of all staff outings. His rendition of the song Two Little Boys was his party piece. He is survived by his Wife Paola and his children Carlo and Matthew, his mother Annie and three brothers Frank, Finton and Stephen. He will be very sadly missed by all of us who knew him.

 

Hogmanay

The Hogmanay in August committee is holding a meeting on Tuesday, April 15 at 8pm in The Lake Of Shadows and would like to see new faces. They propose to hold another Hogmanay the weekend from August 29 to August 31. We thank everyone for their support and help.

 

Foyle and Donegal Hospice

The Foyle & Donegal Hospices Buncrana Support Group, present a social evening of Entertainment and Floral Art Exhibits in the Lake of Shadows Hotel, Buncrana on Thursday, April 24, at 8pm. Admission is 5euro including a savoury supper. Approximately one hundred displays & various prizes (all donated) will be raffled on the night. Entertainment will be provided by Pauline Saunders, Kathleen Morris, Stewart Buchanan, James Boyle & Irish Dancing by Aidan & Rachael McGinley, who are all giving their time free of charge. MC on the night will be Nicholas Crossan. Everyone is very welcome. Please bring a friend & support this worthy cause.

 

Litter Warden

It was reported last week in this column that a litter warden was appointed to Inishowen. However, it has been brought to my attention that this warden has no jurisdiction in Buncrana. The warden was appointed by the county council and therefore is responsible for areas controlled by the County Council which is all of Inishowen except Buncrana. Letterkenny has an urban council who appointed its own warden. Buncrana would have to do the same.

 

Quiz Night

The popular quiz held in O’Flagherty’s Bar on Thursday night last was a keenly contested affair. A large group of Scottish visitors competed and although the talented Neil Boyle was in their ranks, they only managed to fourth on the night. The winners were The Quarrelsome Threesome. Their success can be attributed to the fact that their was one less member on the team to argue with. Runners up were Snow Patrol. Back on Thursday at same time. Quizmaster was Paddy Corr and score keeper Derek Smith.

 

Retail Complex

Buncrana is in line for a major new retail complex complete with two-storey car park at Ardaravan Square. It was reported yesterday that An Bord Pleanála has granted permission to Dublin’s Palladio Properties to build a 6,528 square metre retail centre and car park comprising nearly 450 spaces. It will be built beside discount supermarket Aldi.

 

Tidy Towns Initiative.

The above committee wishes to extend their sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Philip Diggin. He was a founder member of the committee and worked diligently for the betterment of Buncrana. He led by example and turned out every Saturday with his children to tidy up areas of the town. His example we hope will be an example to all.

 

Good-as-new shop

This is located beside Abrakebabra, Buncrana and lasts for 5 days from yesterday until Saturday, April 12 in aid of Donegal Hospice  Please support this worthy cause.

 

Da Capo Concert

The first of three concerts from the Da Capo Concert Series for 2008 organised by a new Inishowen community-based music group takes place at the Fowler Hall, Tooban, Fahan, Inishowen on Friday, 2 May 2008 at 7.30pm. Tickets will cost 10euro or 5euro concession. These concerts are supported by the Arts Council of Ireland. Two further Inishowen concerts featuring musicians of international renown are being planned for September in Carndonagh, and for November in Buncrana.